Programmes

Marine Aquaculture Development in Egypt/Phase 2 // MADE II //

Project Summary

Short description

MADE Project Phase 2, an expansion of MADE Project Phase 1, aims at further consolidating the marine aquaculture sector taking into account economic and ecological needs (sustainable and responsible approach; Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy towards 2030). In Egypt, the population has rapidly increased over the last few decades, overcoming 90 million inhabitants before 2015 (annual growth rate of 1.73%; 2011 data; World Bank, 2012). The Country is not self-sufficient in fish consumption and the dependence on imported products makes the domestic market vulnerable to external factors (change in supply and currency fluctuations). Marine aquaculture offers high quality proteins with high level nutritional factors (essential aminoacids and fatty acids, vitamins, minerals) that can reduce, for instance, the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Marine aquaculture is the best choice to increase production (income, employment, economic benefits, nutrition level for the people). It can be profitable considering the demand and the market prices, playing also a remarkable social and economic role in the coastal zone, improving the living standards of the population. In this regard, the private sector is demanding new knowledge, know-how and technology to compete in the Mediterranean context that must be considered as one big market. It is evident and crucial that the Egyptian private sector needs to be well informed and assisted on new developments and opportunities. The project intends to support the private enterprises of the sector, for increasing the production in terms of overall quantity, according to international standards. Within this context, Italy can offer technology, productive capacity, and know-how. The partnership between the two Countries can develop a model of mutual interest in the Mediterranean area. Food production sectors are strategic and crucial for Egypt stability. By the end of the project, the outcome from the implemented project components shall be: Consolidation of marine aquaculture in Egypt, with improved performance capacity of the private sector through the GAFRD/MADE technical actions.

Main Results

The Master Plan/Strategy Document supports the marine aquaculture development along the Egyptian coastline.
The establishment of commercial/demonstrative units (Pond farm and marine hatchery) would greatly enhance the opportunities to gain and share the much-needed experience in the productive operations, serving as a model for fish farmers and GAFRD staff that deal with the processing of licences, environmental impact assessment, monitoring procedures.
The control of diseases (Veterinary Laboratory unit BMP, extension service) improves the rearing results of the farmers.
Training for GAFRD staff remarks the importance of human resources in the development processes. Visibility actions are part of the project target according to the Debt Swap indications.R1 Marine aquaculture strategy/Road Map for supporting the private farmers is defined.
R2 Model pond farm (integrated rearing system) is established and operating both for production and extension services.
R3 Veterinary Laboratory is established and operating to support disease control in private farms (extension service).
R4 Marine hatchery is established through new technology/know how exchange is established and operating.
R5 Enhancing and training the human resources capacities of GAFRD to assist the private sector